1. FC Nuremberg – Klose under pressure

The pressure on Miroslav Klose and 1. FC Nürnberg remains great. After two sobering defeats in the Max Morlock Stadium, the club coach announces a reaction to the groundbreaking table-neighborhood duel. “We were definitely not happy with our last two home games. We want to show a different face,” said the coach before the home game this Saturday (1 p.m.) against Preußen Münster. The last two home games against Magdeburg (0:4) and Hertha BSC (0:2) were lost. The Franconians recently suffered a 2-0 defeat against Hannover 96 away from home. There have been three defeats in the last four games – and without scoring a goal of their own. “A lot depends on us. But of course we know that there is unrest,” said Klose. Klose had already explained during the week that there was no gray around the FCN, but only black and white.

The fluctuations were very large, explained Klose the day before the Münster match. If you win, you are immediately considered a promoted team, and if you lose, you are immediately considered a relegated team. “That’s what I mean by gray area. I perceive what is around me. I have often emphasized that for me it is important what our goals and what our next steps are,” said the 46-year-old. Klose received support from sports director Joti Chatzialexiou this week. Before the duel between the two Bundesliga founding members, who started the match day as neighbors in the table, the World Cup record goalscorer does not want to talk about who is the favorite. “In this game you don’t need to talk much about favorite roles. Our goal has to be to win this game,” said Klose. Midfielder Jens Castrop is suspended against Prussia, defender Finn Jeltsch is not yet fit again and midfielder Tim Janisch is not there due to illness.

The Nuremberg team have a particularly difficult time scoring goals. “We had a lot of discussions during the week so that we could think more offensively and be courageous. The balls have to fly into the penalty area and we then want to have a lot of manpower in the box,” said the long-time world-class striker. So far the club has scored eight goals this season in the second division. Only Braunschweig and Regensburg scored less frequently.